A DIY Guide about how to update a bathroom mirror by embedding a custom farmhouse mirror frame.
Required Tools and Materials
- Before begin building a mirror frame, let’s check out the tools and materials that we need:
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Pencil
- Liquid nails
- Corner braces
- Rust Spray – Black spray paint
- Pre-cut lumber
- Miter saw
- 220 grit Sander
- Sandpaper
- Towel
- Wood stain
- Lint-free flour sackcloth
Step 1: Take precise measurements of the mirror
With the help of a tape measure, take the appropriate measurements of the mirror. For a full length mirror, simply the length and width are needed. However, if you have a circle mirror, carefully measure the diameter of the mirror to get the mirror frame accordingly. In this guide, we will only discuss framing the rectangle mirror shape. This same method can be applied for round mirrors with a bit of change in technique.
Framing a Rectangle or a Full Length Mirror
Step 2: Buy four pre-cut wooden frame pieces
Buy four pre-cut lumber pieces according to the mirror dimensions. Cut the four wooden pieces in opposite directions with the help of a circular saw at 45° angle along their edges. With the cuts made, line up the pieces to check that everything lines up perfectly.
Step 2: Have a clean workplace
Use some large plastic or a couple of newspapers on the garage floor for smooth and clean work. Use a 220-grid sander and apply it on all frame surface areas that should also cover the edges, even the sides that wouldn’t be showing after joining the frames. If you still identify several imperfections in the wooden pieces, use heavier grit sandpaper, which can smooth the rough areas in a much better way especially around the nodes of the wood. After it is sanded, you need to clean it properly. Make sure the frames are clean before you start staining them.
Step 3: Apply the Stain
When you want to put on the stain, it is advisable to use a brush or a lint-free cloth. Immerse the cloth inside the wooden stain, and move in the same directions as the wood grains. The more the stain applied, the darker the shade appeared. Give a sponge-like treatment on the ends in order to use the cloth for a long duration. Apply two coats of stains on the wood for a better shade and appearance. Once the color appears fine, dry the pieces of wood.
Step 4: Spray Paint on the braces and screws
Use spray paint to evenly apply the coat on the corner braces and screws. Also, give it to the edges of the screws. Do not spray the threat portion of the screw; otherwise, it will become hard to screw in.
A Quick tip: It is advisable to close the drain before using small things such as screws.
Step 5: Install the mirror frame
Whether it’s a full length mirror or a circle mirror, a lock washer with a screw helps keep the mirror firm tight and sturdy so that you can install the frame. Use liquid nails (i.e. glue) on the backside of each piece of the frame and put it in its place.
First fix the bottom piece of the frame and then take the side pieces to get fixed with glue. Wait until the glue becomes dry enough that the wood stays firm.
Quick Tip: Avoid using too much glue, as the mirror can show it that might look awkward.
Step 6: Fix the frame airtight
Last step: Use corner braces to airtight the frame joints with the help of a drill. Tighten the screws only after the glue gets dried. Rectangular Mirrors | Custom Mirrors
Fix these brackets on all four sides, and that’s it!
The frame would seem fabulous, and you will definitely love this DIY project and will share it with your friends and family to get massive likes and comments.